Looking for plants that don’t need sun? Try these unique perennial shade garden plants, which will grow wonderfully in a forest garden or other low-light area.
Suppose you have an area that you would like to create a perennial garden, but you are faced with a few challenges: how to create the bed, what to plant in it, and, of course, the shade. Can you find plants that don’t need sun, or very little of it? Do not worry! There are so many wonderfully under-used plant varieties for shade other than impatiens or begonias. Besides all the beautiful flowers and foliage to brighten any shady spot, there are many perennials to choose from, and many varieties are deer-resistant.
Shade perennials are definitely worth a try. Understanding the various conditions will clarify and issues you might have with shade gardening.
What is the definition of shade? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, one of the definitions of shade is “space sheltered from the light, especially of the sun”. This definition is easy to understand, but as gardeners, we all know there are many variations of shade: high, low, dry, wet partial and full. Now let’s clear the confusion and start creating your shade garden with some beautiful perennial shade garden plants.
Observe the Planting Area
First, you must observe the planting area. How long and when is the sun in the garden area. Check the soil. Is it moist, dry, or somewhere in between. What is the area like? Are rocks to contend with. How big will the garden be? How much time do you want to spend on your new garden? What type of bed are you planning: raised bed or digging holes?
Because shade gardens lend themselves to naturalizing an area, use the materials available. Rocks and stumps can create a wonderful planters, and a great way to control the cost of your garden. These questions will be the first steps in planning a successful perennial garden, shade or in full sun.
Determine the Amount of Shade
Now, it is time to consider the light conditions. This will determine the variety of plants that are compatible for your Zone and planting area.
Low Shade
Low or deep shade is less than 4 hours of direct sun. The soil is usually damp and humusy.
Partial Shade
Partial shade is what most gardeners are familiar with. Partial shade is morning sun or no more than 3 to 6 hours of direct sun. The soil requirement for these plants is usually moist but well drained. A raised bed works well with these conditions. Amend soil that is too dry with compost.
High Shade
High shade is dappled sun throughout the day. A good example would be planting under a tall tree. This type of bed would definitely require amending the soil with compost and a raised bed. When done planting the bed, mulch it to retain moisture and to control the weeds.
Unique Perennial Shade Garden Plants
In part one of planning perennial shade garden plants, we discussed where your new shade garden should be, preparing the planting bed and your Zone and shade conditions. Now for the fun part: selecting the plants. Whatever your shade requirement, there is a plant. Instead of just flower color, consider different foliages for texture and color. There are so many under-used shade plants that can brighten any corner and these are just a few suggestions.
Royal Velvet Distinction
Melittis ‘Royal Velvet Distinction’ has beautiful orchid like flowers covering soft green foliage. This partial shade loving plant is wonderful planted en masse. Hardy in Zones 5 through 8, it will grow 18 inches tall with a spread of 18 inches. The Melittis is very easy to care for. The bloom time is mid to late spring. It is a relative of the mint family and can be invasive, but they can be easily transplanted. It is deer resistant.
Blushing Bride
‘Blushing Bride’ Trandescantia or spiderwort, prefers partial shade. This perennial does not bloom but it has a very uniquely colored foliage. Practically maintenance free it is hardy Zones 4 through 9, prefers humusy soil and grows to a height of 12 inches. Works well in rock gardens or as a ground cover.
Masterwort
Astrantia major, or Masterwort, is a one of the perennial shade garden plants that prefers partial to dry shade. This plant grows to approximately 1 foot in height, which makes it a good choice for the front of the perennial border. Astrantia bloom all summer long. Companion plants for the Astrantia include Japanese Painted Fern and Purple Palace Heuchera. The reddish color of the Japanese Painted Fern and heuchera will complement the pink flowers of the astrantia.
Yellow Bleeding Heart
Corydalis lutea or ‘Yellow Bleeding Heart’ is one of my favorite plants for the shade garden. It prefers partial to full shade and is not picky about soil conditions. The corydalis is deer and rabbit resistant. Great for naturalizing, it will freely seed itself and transplants just as easily. This beauty is covered with yellow flowers early Spring till frost. It reaches approximately one foot in height. Companion plants for the corydalis include Lily Of The Valley, lamium and any variety of fernleaf bleeding heart.
Brunneras
The Brunneras have different varieties that can grow in full sun to shade as long as the soil is moist. The variegated varieties prefer partial shade because the leaves tend to get sun burned. They are hardy from Zone 3 to 8. They will bloom from early spring to early summer. When planted in a row or around a tree they make a great border. The splays of dainty forget me not like flowers will compliment any Spring flowers. The Brunnera will seed themselves but are not invasive, and easily transplanted. Sweet Woodruff is a nice companion plant, and with the variegated Brunnera varieties will compliment the foliage nicely.
Britt-Marie Crawford
Ligularia ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’ is a great specimen plant for the shade garden. This variety has large purple-brown leaves with golden colored flowers. It can reach up to four feet in height and a spread of three feet, so make sure you give this yellow flowered beauty plenty of room. Hardy zone 4 through 9, It is deer resistant, prefers partial shade and damp woodland soils. Hostas, ferns and dwarf goats beard would work well with this plant.
Remember to check the height and spread of your perennial shade garden plants before planting. They can get quite large. Mulching will help to keep the weeds down, the soil moist and roots cool. Not enough color in your garden? Intersperse shade loving annuals such as torenias and begonias for season-long color.
Karin Eller is a grower at Plant-It Earth Greenhouse and Gardens, which she established 1995. She grows everything all her plants on-site using in Homer City, Pennsylvania, organic methods.
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